Roland F140R: Pros and Cons UPDATE After A Year

Here is an updated review! I discuss the pros and cons of Roland's F140R keyboard, after a YEAR of using it. Watch the first video here: • Roland F140R: Pros and...
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KASHKA is the ongoing folkpoptronica project of Toronto based musician Kat Burns. After fronting the popfolk band Forest City Lovers over three records, she retired the band and began her new solo project: KASHKA. The sound is ever-evolving and packs an experimental pop-punch under memorable melodies, and also runs the gamut into the acoustic world, with stripped down guitars and string arrangements. You can find all her music in all the usual places, and we have a soft spot for Bandcamp: www.kashka.band...
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#rolandf140r #rolandreview #kashka

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

Thanks to everyone that watched my original video and for the helpful feedback. Hope this update helps other folks too. xoxo

[@BsktImp]

A great update review. I've had the F140-R since 2018 and I still think it was a good value purchase for an entry-level floor-standing digital piano. I particularly like its action which is weighty and the feel of the keys under the fingers. I use the piano exclusively with headphones so can't comment on the speaker-case resonance. Like you I'm disappointed with the recording options: although the outputs from the two headphone jacks sound fine with my headphones, when I record them or from the rear "output" jack - all mono only - the sound is awful (lofi, tinny) even through my sound interface with gain right up. Minor/little gripes: (1) if you record something on the piano in one sound you can't play it back using another sound (2) these recordings don't playback while transmitting MIDI OUT data (3) although the piano can play WAV and MID files from a USB pen drive, it does not allow you to save your recordings to the drive.

[@sbhatwa1786]

I have a very old digital Yamaha piano from around 2007. The quality, and features of digital piano's nowadays is soo much better and advanced. Really can't wait to upgrade to this one. Thanks for the review!!

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

You’re welcome! The classic pianos are great but, yes, the new technology for sound is incredible. It really sounds like an acoustic piano

[@meals24u]

@@KatBurnsKASHKA ok, on that topic, would you consider a 2007 Kawai CN21 as a decent entry level piano for let’s say half the price of a used 140r? Looking for a good entry level that’ll stay in the house for years to come and 2007 seems old for an “electronic device” Thanks 🙏

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

I am not super familiar with that model so I can’t compare. Best thing to do, if you can, Is go play then both at a music store near you and get a feel for things.

[@meals24u]

@@KatBurnsKASHKA ok thanks

[@kieroncircuit4578]

Great review, Kat. It's hard to believe it has been a year. Thanks for the update on this and I'm glad to hear you've been able to find a work around to some of the issues.

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

Thanks Kieron! Yes last year really flew by. Happy 2020 😎😎😎😎

[@agnesgranath4504]

i’ve had it for a few years not and i love it! i’ve got no rattling either and it has lasted through distance piano classes, sounding good when recording with a bad mic! :)

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

Yes totally! The rattling only happens when it’s very low and loud notes, which I am able to avoid

[@odbo_One]

Thank you for your updated review, definitively helped me in concreting my decision to buy one.

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

glad this helped!

[@odbo_One]

I finally made my decision, I bought the F140R. Thank you.

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

congrats!!

[@samwang5831]

The left pedal is not supposed to mute in an accoustic grand piano. It shifts the action to the right so that one of the strings is not hit by the hammer. It is called the soft pedal. You may want to slip in some kind of rubber material between the lid and the body of the piano. It might mitigate the rattling sound.

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

I have done just that and it worked :) tanks!

[@EasyPost99]

Thanks for pointing out the rattling sound/ resonance issue . I will pay extra attention to this when choosing a piano at the store .

[@arion3d]

Thank you for your explanation, currently hesitating between FP30 and F140R.

[@ateenytidy]

孫弘 me too, did you get an answer? :)

[@arion3d]

@@ateenytidy The FP-30 is not in stock. I am currently interested in the GEWA DP-220D which using Steinway piano sampling, but it is difficult to find a review.

[@bartverreydt8173]

Thank you for this review. In regards to your rattling, you might want to use a simple, cheap and not damaging nor changing the view of this beautiful instrument, solution. You could use simple round filt tips glued on the inside of the folded coverboards. Like the ones you put under furniture. It prevents them from trembling against each other or resonating and you won't notice them visibly, also not when the cover is closed. A reason why you can be more affected with this problem is the added penetration of vibrations coming from outdoor traffic. As it's pretty noticeable, also a wooden, the older the worse could contribute to that effect. As they're ideal transfermedia for vibrations. Or something similar where the boatd rests on the piano itself.

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

thank you for this thoughtful and helpful reply!

[@MISSCHIPILILI]

At least, it would have been a pleasure to hear it !

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

It’s in the background :) I have some other videos where I am playing it. Search my channel for white piano

[@465marko]

These videos are super helpful. Thank you.

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

Glad you like them!

[@shannonia81]

Such a good pair of videos. I like that you dedicated the time to go back over the negatives and let us know what you learned about the functions you didn't like or weren't sure of their functionality. Also a very honest take on this machine for the average daily user of a piano. Also, how loud is the rattle?

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

Thanks so much!

[@MikeSuttonXerox]

Thank you Kat! Looking at one through Costco for $900ish. Assume that would be a great deal on this and would be my first piano since I as a kid (I’m 60 and wanted to start learning how to play). So helpful and your dog is the cutest!

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

Thanks Mike! $900 is a pretty good deal on this. Congrats on fulfilling your dream of wanting to play, it's an exciting thing to undertake. My advice: make yourself practice just 5 minutes a day. If you feel like going longer, do it, but don't do less. Building the habit over time is better than trying to do an hour of practice a week, etc. Best of luck :)

[@MikeSuttonXerox]

Kat Burns love you! You’re the best.

[@catherineseifert5243]

Hi Mike! Was that a deal specific to your local Costco? I thought I would check Costco's website but wasn't finding the Roland f140 in there... Also thanks for the review, Kat! Very helpful!

[@ryanedwardmusic]

You can plug into a keyboard amp or monitor speakers to deal with the low end rattling at high volumes. You will get better sound as well.

[@ramveluselva]

Got mine since summer 2019

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

awesome! how do you like it?

[@alanzomoolenaar846]

Thank you. Great honest update will keep watching.........Lucien , St. Thomas, Virgin Islands

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

Thank you Alanzo! Sending well wishes your way :)

[@Mnkmnkmnk]

A good solution to the resonances and rattling problems is to simply get good external studio monitors optionally with a subwoofer. It does make the whole process of playing the piano cumbersome since you have to position the speakers well, turn them all before starting to play, and there will extra wires around. But the sound quality is worth it.

[@louietoro5360]

Thx again Kat, cool review, much more information then the first one.

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

Thanks for watching! Glad to help

[@LemonJelly360]

Having turned 40, I have a huge urge to learn to play piano. I’m torn between the Roland FP-30, RP-102 or F140R. I want it to be a piece of furniture, so the FP30 would be purchased with the proper stand and three pedals, which is why the other two models come into play now. Ugggh, choices!!

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

That’s awesome that you’re learning! I enjoy the f140 and think it looks really lovely in my space. It’s honestly up to you! Depends on your aesthetic, etc. Have a blast on your journey!

[@Mnkmnkmnk]

I don't recommend any of the portable digital pianos, since you want it to be a piece of furniture anyway and the stands and three pedals need to be bought separately. The upright piano aesthetics are lost in my opinion. The RP-102 has too weak speakers (6w * 2) and not satisfying to listen to. The F140R is great overall. Do consider other brands too.

[@charliezima7758]

Same here. I'm torn between Fp30 (it's almost half the price!) And F140R and RP501 ... Which one you picked in the end?

[@LemonJelly360]

Charlie Zima I haven’t picked one yet unfortunately. Which way are you leaning at the moment?

[@Mnkmnkmnk]

​@@charliezima7758 I got the RP 102 last week. Couldn't be happier. I considered the price, the aesthetic and the action and the RP 102 was the best for these criteria. I ignored the piano tone and sound quality completely, because I wasn't happy with any digital piano's internal speakers and had resigned to the fact that I would have to connect them to external studio monitors anyway. And as for the piano tone, I would just use the Garritan CFX lite or pianoteq VST so the onboard piano tone wouldn't matter.

[@davidwalbridge7110]

Hi, I must have got super lucky... no rattling and I play loud... lol anyhow good work keep it up!!!

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

Awesome! Mine is a little better once I tighten the cover

[@JamieDrouin]

Hi Kat, I'm curious how well the F140R translates extremely light action key presses, and if there is still much sonic variation at that end of the playing spectrum (ie: delicate mechanical variations)? Also, if any of the piano modes explore slightly detuned or 'aged' pianos?

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

hey jamie! yes it's quite nice that one can play very light and still get a good response. There are a number of piano sounds, including some that sound a bit more ragtime, but nothing that sounds damaged or detuned. I'm sure you could find a midi sound that was though, if you used this as a controller.

[@stebesplace]

Kat, one thing that works when diagnosing rattles (I do this in cars) is to use a paper towel tube (or similar) and with it against your ear, move around while playing the lower register keys to see if you can pinpoint where the sound is originating from. Rattles are typically where two pieces join together, and if you can figure out specifically where, you might be able to apply some foam tape, or caulk, or something to help get rid of that. Hope that helps, and thanks for the video!

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

thank you for this thoughtful tip -I will try it!

[@smoideen]

Thanks for video. What other instrument did you consider besides f-140r and what favored purchase of this instrument over others? Topic for next video 😁? 👍

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

Good idea! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@2004BeachBum]

Hey Kat..Thank you for your videos..I’m considering getting either this Roland F140R or the Korg C1 Air.. Both are slimline pianos with flip up covers.. Did you look at the Korg pianos? .. Thanks.

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

Hey! I did play a couple of them but not sure which model. So, I can’t help you too much with a comparison. Go with what you like best :)

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

@Rhizosphere yes the keys do feel very nice

[@cathyxiong8045]

Hi Kat, do you know if this piano can turn pages of a sheet music using the pedal?

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

I believe it can! I am not sure as I don’t use digital sheet music but I think that the Bluetooth connection allows you to turn the page with the metal pedal

[@bettyjane6684]

Great video presentation!

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@carmenavila-yiptong1009]

Hi Kat! Thanks for these reviews - very helpful. In my research, I have seen a buyer report that the headphone jack on this model is not the standard size and thus, doesn't allow you to use any typical set of headphones. Is this true? Also, how do you find the headphone function for silent practice? Thanks in advance.

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

I just took a look to remember and there are two headphone jacks actually - one is standard 1mm and one is the larger 6mm jack (I usually use that one as I use adapters often) and they are good for quiet practice, most definitely!

[@carmenavila-yiptong1009]

@@KatBurnsKASHKA Thanks very much, Kat! Much appreciated.

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

@@carmenavila-yiptong1009 you're welcome!

[@JocelynnRodrigues]

Ah bummer about the recording, I only half understand this...I am trying to figure out how to record mine, I got it two years ago and was just recording with a mic low key, but now I wanted to actually plug it in and get a solid sound but now I'm seeing that might not be as easy.....I like your point of doing a mic by the speaker, along with the midi sounds I guess? (I'm still trying to understand midi). . . thanks for this video. I am not sure why it's so hard to find proper video on setting it up to record! I just keep seeing info about the bluetooth. blah. Someday I shall figure it out! I'm in Canada too btw, too! Calgary :)

[@JocelynnRodrigues]

Wait! I just realized....for a moment I was bummed and confused because the in/out on the back are not 1/4" so I could not plug into my interface with my guitar cable, but then I saw this other video, and it talked about plugging into the place you usually plug your earphones into and VOILA! boom. I do want to figure out how to record songs so that they score as I'm playing it but that will be the next adventure :P

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

So glad this helped!

[@IndianaTejaHimakashi]

Which one is better piano yamaha ydp 144 or Roland 140R? Please advice

[@XenophonSoulis]

3:07 The Sostenuto (middle) pedal is actually amazing for playing Organ pieces (with Organ sounds). It compensates for the lack of keyboard for the feet in pianos.

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

oh that's great to know! i have been sad at the organ options for making it sound true. I will try this out. Cheers!

[@XenophonSoulis]

@@KatBurnsKASHKA By the way, I am thinking to buy this, so I would like to ask if the organ sounds are good and how many there are.

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

There are at least three organ sounds

[@XenophonSoulis]

@@KatBurnsKASHKA Thank you.

[@SteffHanson]

Hi Kat, I have the Roland F130R so one model down from this. I really want to record what i'm playing for a composition, please can you tell me how to record it?

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

Hey Steff! You can put the output cord into your recording interface with a 1mm/6mm cord. Or you can put a microphone under the keyboard near the speakers. Depends on your recording set up. Hope that helps!

[@BsktImp]

Just did an experiment and found that the F140-R piano doesn't seem to accept incoming MIDI data sent from either a DAW or a MIDI controller.

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

oh! I have found that it works for me as a midi controller if I do hook it up, though it's obviously not my first choice for a controller. are you using the pinned cables or trying to do through usb?

[@luanlovelyman]

jez i just dont know if i get en used accoustic piano or an eletric piano. i think the noise on the case would bother me after time...

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

if I had the space I would get an acoustic piano, for sure. But this is a great alternative if you have close neighbours or a small flat. There are so many beautiful pianos available for next to nothing, sometimes free, but the piano movers can be costly. Best of luck!

[@ForeverFall]

You barely talked about the sound quality and feel of the keys. Is this a decent imitation to an acoustic in terms of learning classical pieces with more subtle tone control?

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

the keys are pretty wonderful, and the weight is similar to acoustic pianos. they do feel a little smoother than my old (real) piano but feels quite similar.

[@CaffinePrinter]

Hi Kat, quick question for you about the missing output for recording. I was under the impression that there is a line in and line out at the rear of the piano separate from the headphone output.. Does that not work properly for recording?

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

Hi Przemek - there are in and outs, but they are headphone size 1mm jacks (not useful for most setups) and also I find the gain is incredibly low when trying to record the signal from that output. It's really disappointing they didn't have a regular 6mm aux output

[@CaffinePrinter]

@@KatBurnsKASHKA Thanks for the heads up, that does seem like a missed opportunity.

[@quilla.b]

Yamaha ydp-164, ydp-s54 has usb audio interface

[@androsimusmaximus640]

Hi Kat, thanks for the video; can you send midi to two separate channels in split mode?

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

That’s a good question. I’ll have to take a look. As far as I know, the midi is just straight up midi and doesn’t matter what sound the keyboard is set at, since the midi will control the sound you have set up in your daw.

[@richardlynneweisgerber2552]

I have set my new F140R to 100 for output volume and hit the lowest note as hard as I can and do not get any "rattling" at all. Are you sure you put it together properly?

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

Yes. I have seen others mention it as well. Maybe a defect on some of them. Glad you don’t have it!

[@richardlynneweisgerber2552]

@@KatBurnsKASHKA Weird Not sure how Roland could allow something like that out of its factory. If mine did that, it would have been shipped right back as faulty goods. And buy a Korg Air C1 instead, choice #2 on my list after three months research on which sub-$1500 digital 🎹 to invest in. I only have two gripes, one is the cable clips are Extremely Flimsy. And, two, the brackets for the pedal cross piece have two threaded holes for each end, but only one hole is drilled with only one screw provided for each end. Since Roland Support is on-hold during COVID-19, I will most likely fix this when the warranty runs out. 🦚🌛🌞🌜🦚

[@Az-jt2zp]

Do you think you could use a big blob of bluetack to get rid of the rattle?

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

Hmmm not sure! But interesting idea

[@DEEDEEFARRELL]

I use a blob of blue tack to stop my false teeth from rattling so it will definitely work for the piano!

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

Haha!

[@yue153]

Hi, i am torn between this or roland fp30. So far from what i've researched, the roland fp30 has an issue with clicking noise. This a deal breaker for me, since i know i won't upgraded its for a few years. Did you noticed any of this issue on your f140r?

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

I’m not sure what clicking noise the fp30 makes- can you describe? The only issue I have with the f140 is the slight rattling the cover when you play really low notes

[@MDL1309]

Hi, thank you for the very useful video. Do you know if the piano can be used with a bluetooth headphone? many thanks

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

I am not sure, but don't think so? It has bluetooth but I haven't tried it with my headphones. Maybe I'll take a look if it's an option.

[@alaincoget9698]

Yes

[@alaincoget9698]

Because for a few dollars you Can buy some dongle.. And wait for a new software...

[@nataliefades]

@@KatBurnsKASHKA this is what I’m wondering, too, about the bluetooth headphones. Love your vids. Thank you!

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

So far i have not been able to connect my Bluetooth headphones. There’s no display that would show the options- it seems only to connect to a computer or ipad

[@colinhart7179]

Might seem a dumb question. But is there a stand for sheet music?

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

not a bad question! When the cover folds up, it offers support for sheet music (there is a ledge to hold it in place) Now you know!

[@madhavi108]

The key cover is used as a music stand

[@cathyxiong8045]

@@KatBurnsKASHKA Hi, the sheet music stand seems a bit low in position. Will it cause any neck pain when looking at the sheet music? Thanks.

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

I also do find it a little low, agree. I think you could maybe use a clothes pin to move it higher as a temporary solution

[@HongKong1842]

function each demo is more illustrative.

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

I can do that for a future video :)

[@HongKong1842]

@@KatBurnsKASHKA could you please share the imac processing steps after playing a song?

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

What do you mean, like the software I use or?

[@HongKong1842]

@@KatBurnsKASHKA software, procedure, how u transfer, and then perhaps edit?

[@thejackdiamondart]

You can plug into amp and hold functions +f# to turn the internal speakers on or cont.+f. One turns it off.

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

Oh neat trick, thank you!

[@bettyjane6684]

Do you think that the “whiteness” will change (I.e., perhaps yellow in time)?

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

I wonder that, but hope not! so far over a year and it still looks good. I wipe it down after playing myself or after teaching.

[@bettyjane6684]

Kat Burns Sounds lovely- I heard Robert Estrin state that the sunlight keep ivory keys white so perhaps the same for wood:). Your videos are very nice as you are - thank you for sharing!

[@Reverend11dMEOW]

Roland is derelict in its duty to support this purchaser of one F-140R (Contemporary Black) in that I had placed it behind me at my L-Shaped deak so that I could hook it into my DAW easily. Unfortunately, I neglected to remember it was there when I rose up exhausted one night soon after moving it behind me there, and blammo it falls on its back, yet is just fine aside from three broken I/O ports that were broken and/or bent. I have this here Digital Temp Control Soldering Station, all needed tools, fifty years working with and designing & building circuitry that functions to spec. Yet Roland refuses me a simple F-140R Service Manual. CONTRARY To The Spirit Of The Self-Repair LAW.🤮

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

hopefully you can get your hands on a copy soon

[@eduard_glibka]

Talked the whole video and didn’t play no one note 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

yes, cos it's a review. I have many other videos where I play it. Thanks for watching :)

[@puderjunge]

Does anybody know if it is possible to use a piano lamp with the Roland F140? Doesn't look like there's anything to put it on!

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

No, there is no where to put it. That’s the only frustrating part of the physical design

[@puderjunge]

@@KatBurnsKASHKA thanks for the swift answer, that's a bummer, really like the feeling of the Roland keyboard. A clamp-on on the folding cover probably will also not work, will it?

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

That might work, depends on how heavy the lamp is. The cover creates an angled surface (to rest book on). But if the clamp were very tight and the lamp was not too heavy, you’d probably be OK!